‘I did not making any promises’

Known and severely criticised by viewers and media alike for his expertise at taking out flaws in conrtestants, Anu Malik is enjoying his stint as the judge for Indian Idol 2. “Who says people are complaining?” he retorts. “I have personally met several parents of the contestant I have asked to leave and they are grateful that I did so. They say that the kids don’t listen to us but if you say it they understand.” But he promises to be a surprise this time, “Check me out,” he winks.
“I did not go around making promises about offering the contestants a break but hey, I have got Prajakta, Rahul and Amit Sana their first breaks in films. Surprisingly the Indian Idol, Abhijeet himself has not got any offers from me. This time I have promised him one project from my side,” he laughs.
But the tough guy also has a soft side. “When we disqualify a participant and ask him to leave but he doesn’t go, that really puts me off,” he says shaking his head. “This year we are looking for someone with the right mix of music and good looks,” he adds. Surprisingly, the contestants who appear at various venues are not just some names on the list for him. “I still remember some of the participants whom I liked from the first auditions. They did not make it to the higher rounds but I have not forgotten their voices.”
Coming back to this year’s auditions, he says, “I want people to be original with their work. Some of them do such good copies of Mohammad Rafi and even Sonu Nigam, but we already have a voice of Sonu Nigam and we have already heard so much of Rafi saab. There has to be something different to be noticed,” he says.
Also he feels jealous of those participating, “In my times, we had to go through hell to be where we are today and these guys just walk into audition rooms and we are sitting here to make them Indian Idols,” he signs off.

Published in Hindustan Times Next on October 25, 2005